Celebrating Morris' parks: 10 events to lure people outdoors

Jun. 18, 2013

Moving as fast as they can in a sack race, a game common in the 1920s, are: Alexander Bento of Elizabeth, twins Jack and Jonathan Feuerstein of Harding and Alexander Jean of Verona. This year's 1920s Country Fair & Harvest Festival at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township will be held on Sept. 8. / Karen Mancinelli/Special to Living 2013

Written by

Lois McClellan Wnek

Morris County Park Commission

Young Joseph Mathis Jr. participates in Lenape Day held at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township. / BOB KARP/Staff Photographer

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There is so much to experience within the 18,600 acres of parks and preserved land, including 38 facilities, 150 miles of multiuse trails and the 40 miles of Patriots Path, all part of the Morris County Park Commission.

For the most unique and convenient camping experience, come to Sunrise Lake Beach for this fun family overnight event. Bring a tent or rent one, and choose your favorite spot on the beach. Arrive at 4 p.m. for swimming, build sand castles on the beach, play volleyball, and bring your own favorite picnic dinner.

For an added fee, play on the Wibit, an inflatable water obstacle course on which kids of all ages can run, jump, slide and just have an overall blast. You can even rent a paddle boat for a picturesque ride around the lake. As night falls, enjoy the roaring campfire, scrumptious s’mores, beach games, a special giveaway and more.

The next morning, wake up to the sunrise over the lake, and savor a delicious breakfast provided lakeside. Don’t forget to bring the camera, as this is truly a memorable event.

Let’s face it, summer wouldn’t be the same without swimming, boating, and hanging out on a sandy beach. The most popular feature is the Wibit, an inflatable water obstacle course on which kids of all ages can run, jump, slide, and just plain have a blast.

The daily fees are $6 for adults; $5 for ages 5 to 17 and seniors older than 65; and ages 4 and younger are free. Wibit fees are $3 for 30 minutes.

What kid isn’t fascinated by firetrucks, police cars and motorcycles, ambulances, army jeeps, all-terrain vehicles? See an array of official vehicles, enjoy the free food, drinks, ice skating, and tons of giveaways and attractions that offer everyone one of the best “Nights Out!”

Visit the horses of the award-winning Morris County Park Commission Park Police Mounted Unit. Rock to the tunes of DJs and live performers.

Once again, the Park Police are offering the most popular and in-demand free child ID card. This initiative registers more than 1,000 children each year.

For six years, this event has annually won the best National Night Out in the United States!

Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit farm animals, take a ride in an antique car, crack and grind corn and feed the chickens, watch a sidesaddle riding show, play old-fashioned games, dance to music, purchase handcrafts, baked, canned and preserved goods, and more.

Visit the farmhouse and tour the 1854 Gothic Revival-style mansion, once the home of the Fosters, the former owners. It’s so amazing to watch the sheep dogs herd the sheep around the fences and gates. Guaranteed a fabulous and fun time!

The fees are $8 for adults; $7 for older than 65; $6 for ages 4 to 16; $4 for ages 2 and 3; younger than age 2 is free.

Calling all Steampunks and lovers of history to a weekend immersion festival set in the mid-1880s. Be prepared to experience a unique and rare opportunity to use a unique blend of history and science to walk through the portal of time into an interaction from an alternative, bygone era.

Sample the latest advance in temporal exploration, capable of bringing your favorite moments in time directly to you. Take part in the varied discussions and workshops, and watch the demonstrations of crafts and trades. There are musicians, performers, and entertainers. Wear your favorite Steampunk day-wear!

The fees are $8 for adults; $7 for those older than 65; $5 for ages 4 to 16; ages 4 and younger are free.

Public ice skating just got a new pulse. DJ Earl, the coolest, most current DJ around, brings a party to Mennen Sports Arena every Friday Night.

Rock to the tunes and skate under the lights when DJ Earl plays your favorites, bringing excitement to the ice with great prizes and giveaways. So come out for an edgy good time and keep the fun happening. Hey, bring your friends because the snack bar is open and so are the arcade games.

The smell of sugar abounds as you enter the kingdom of imagination, creativity and candy all beckoning the holiday spirit. This spectacular event attracts more than 15,000 visitors, making it a family holiday tradition.

Be delightfully amazed when you see the elaborate, scrumptious structures from a replica of a grand piano, the White House, scenes from “Harry Potter,” Santa’s workshop and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Groups of eight or more must make a reservation by calling 973-326-7603. Strollers are not permitted in the exhibit hall. On the weekends, bring your holiday list to purchase unique gifts made by talented artisans.

Yum, yum, and more yum! Enjoy the entire process from tree tapping to taste-testing this delicious syrup on snow cones.

The festival includes tree-tapping demonstrations, maple-cream making and tasting, games, crafts and plenty of sugaring information. Once outside, savor a cup of hot cider by the fire, and watch the demonstration of the evaporation process on a wood-burning evaporator.

Take a guided tour, “Through Maple Sugaring History,” to discover how sugaring has changed over time since it was started by the Native Americans hundreds of years ago. Want to make your own syrup at home? Purchase the supplies that come with easy instructions.

This popular event attracts runners and walkers from the tri-state area. You can choose to take part in the 5K race or a 1-mile fitness/dog walk with your favorite canine companion.

The course features soft rolling hills and a mixture of grass, gravel and natural trail surfaces with beautiful views. Registrants are guaranteed custom moisture-wicking T-shirt and there are awards and raffle prizes. Don’t miss the post-race party with DJ entertainment and refreshments.

For all participants registered in advance, the fee is $20 per person. The fee for race day registrants is $25 per person.